https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/upcoming-events daily 0.75 2026-03-11 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/upcoming-events/2026/3/10/kansas-city-the-brookside-art-annual monthly 0.5 2026-03-11 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/upcoming-events/2026/4/23/oklahoma-city-festival-of-the-arts monthly 0.5 2026-03-11 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/upcoming-events/2026/3/10/atlanta-dogwood-festival monthly 0.5 2026-03-11 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/upcoming-events/2026/3/10/downtown-tucson-historic-fourth-avenue-spring-street-fair monthly 0.5 2026-03-11 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/upcoming-events/2026/3/13/tempe-festival-of-the-arts-booth-1128 monthly 0.5 2026-03-11 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/gallery-1-clay daily 0.75 2024-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5601b8c6e4b0303a7f60c55e/1456372982062-3QEPEM8VCL1PDJ2KPHOG/2015-08-10_home-goods-4-1110-detail-FINAL.jpg Gallery - On Cooking Together. Read More https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5601b8c6e4b0303a7f60c55e/1456372982062-3QEPEM8VCL1PDJ2KPHOG/2015-08-10_home-goods-4-1110-detail-FINAL.jpg Gallery - On Cooking Together. Read More https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5601b8c6e4b0303a7f60c55e/1445030775863-YVIREWM26NKIVETHTA0S/thumbnail-classic-3x2.jpg Gallery - Classic Set. Shop Now https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5601b8c6e4b0303a7f60c55e/1445030809680-KJHJQ0A2R5XUO5XWQ6J0/thumbnail-salt-spout-3x2.jpg Gallery - Salt Spout. Shop Now https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1717971970407-WA16X8JMZ8CKBR5VC0DF/image-asset.jpeg Gallery https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/new-cover-page daily 1.0 2025-09-29 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/about daily 0.75 2024-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532654974740-N8CTA6S0W2ZIVUSM3PTG/1930711_515633135391_7167_n.jpg THE ARTIST - Education In 2010 I lived and worked in a glassblowing shop while studying chemistry and museum conservation at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. I have been blowing glass ever since. I taught a Supplemental Instruction Chemistry class and worked in an Organic Chemistry lab, which helped me solidify my understanding of Chemistry, which in turn enhances my understanding of the inherent properties and behavior of my mediums. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532643771515-6LY99NU9KJ2IIBU1V0PG/4+studio.jpg THE ARTIST - My Studio My studio is equipped with a lifetime's collection of purchased and inherited tools and machines to practice lampwork, metalsmithing, and lapidary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532645523283-857JX3JPK62EGFEY7VPC/20170811_174533_Film3+%281%29.jpg THE ARTIST - Show Life Since June 2017 I have been traveling to sell my art at various art shows, festivals, and markets; around 30 weekends a year. At first, I limited myself to Arizona, then grew to include Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, Houston, TX, Ann Arbor, MI, and Milwaukee and Madison, WI. I camp when possible to enjoy our public lands and to save up for the future. By trial and error and the help of fellow artists I continue to learn and grow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532645891203-DDL8BO2A9A4QLGWCLERF/20170826_163953_Film3.jpg THE ARTIST - On the Road It has been an illuminating experience living the traveling life. I take pleasure in the little things, like logically and efficiently packing my 2000 Dodge Caravan with my tent, displays, artwork, materials and equipment, and my loyal canine companion Keeneye. The beautiful people and landscapes of North America certainly ease the discomfort of long cramped hours, gas-station bathrooms, and chronic trucker tan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532648269505-V97R0XYFO9PIUI8BRUL3/20180604_134626_HDR_Film3.jpg THE ARTIST - Satellite Studios The From The Ground Up Art studio is a home base in Nogales, AZ from which I have been able to launch myself into the show lifestyle. Fortunately, I have been able to expand my show circuit by setting up shop with close family members at their homes in Chicago, IL and Denver, CO. I am so grateful that they have been kind enough to open their homes to me and my noisy work and long hours. https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-09-29 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/home daily 0.75 2024-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1717971540360-MPGF5BFJZ4FUMZZYQ7YF/JACKSON+%281%29.png HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1533156956528-I8812MJXKI0EEPW5JMJF/Inside+the+Rainbow.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1536734154016-4QSAS0X4Y1C6I5F3IEFS/JE15.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532453636185-WAKK0LUE7YFZ02BN5KNY/sapphirering+copy.jpg HOME - JEWELRY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532458306802-S6I6QU92XOE7CSZ74HRN/253310_10151806521445226_107536586_n.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1533768815123-IO3G5PFBG1JC75SADGYL/Exploration+in+Texture+.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1536734340370-SBSOK6YAGAW40EE97VB2/JP2.2.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532453655113-Z2JKOP485XZ1PLUHDKZ3/prickly+pear+sculpture.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1536734575959-IU6SXVUOGKUBH0OFW8DW/JR7.1.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532462591134-IPFBU6HL62CWQW41E3PN/Glimpse+.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532472742246-4P9SMAKQUBEWR1J4ZJA0/4+studio.jpg HOME - My Make Space Located off Patagonia Highway near Nogales, Arizona nestled in the rugged hills of the Sonoran Desert, my studio is equipped with a lifetime's collection of machines and tools dedicated to lapidary, metalsmithing, and lampworking. https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/read-me daily 0.75 2013-11-12 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass-1 daily 0.75 2021-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1551304418780-R7FRVAUT63LZDR80V3PR/20171108_120802.jpg GLASS - Lampworking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1551396273203-H2RHGTEIOSDF2VTWOOMN/Inside%252Bthe%252BRainbow.jpg GLASS - For the Love of Glass I create intricate glass orbs that exhibit dramatic optical illusions designed to engage the viewers mind in an abstract and tantalizingly intangible space. Designs feature elements suspended in glass. These include dichroic glass, gold, silver and Gilson opals. The practice of principles from art and science through these materials and techniques evokes a primal curiosity and stimulates the psyche. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1551394309237-CT93LCP0PO9K483F1GVS/exploration%2Bin%2Btexture.jpg GLASS - Out of the Fire Lampworking techniques have been practiced for hundreds of years. It differs from glassblowing in the way that the glass is heated and shaped, torch-flame versus furnace, respectively. Though many types of glass can be lampworked, I use borosilicate glass which has some very interesting properties. Like the first iteration of the “unbreakable” Pyrex, borosilicate glass has a low thermal expansion coefficient, making it less susceptible to thermal shock and stress. “Boro” differs from “soft glass” in that it must be heated to much higher temperatures (~3000 degrees Fahrenheit), it allows for the application of greater detail in a smaller area, and has much greater optical clarity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1550352576557-9ZKX1G41DSPNMZURWFLQ/Jax_Shop_5.jpg GLASS - Into the Flame By controlling the behavior of the flame through the timing and flow of oxygen and propane through the torch, I manipulate the constantly spinning glass. Graphite or tungsten implements are used to guide and shape the molten glass. Each orb is built from the center out, layer-by-layer, over a period of hours or days, depending on the amount of glass and complexity of the design. Some work can be done in stages with the help of the kiln and sometimes a friend. Generally, I work each piece from start to finish, raw material to final product, torch to kiln, in one sitting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1550353050533-PH0O6RBLG140NW7G8WUM/20180722_085427.jpg GLASS - Dichroic Glass Originally developed by NASA Materials Research, it is highly reflective in dim lighting and flashes two or more colors (from the Greek: di - twice, khros - color) depending on the angle it is viewed from. Dichroic glass is produced when metal oxides and quartz are vaporized and then condensed into micro-thin crystalline layers on the surface of clear glass. Available in a number of colors that I continue to experiment with, it comes in sheets that I score and snap into smaller sections. Each color has a specific ideal working condition that contributes to the final form and color of the metallic splinters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1550353371676-NNLCV75BUIX9WRTHAO0U/20180610_084907_Film3.jpg GLASS - Fumed Glass Fuming is a technique in which a small piece of silver or gold is heated in the flame of the torch until it becomes a vapor. Heated glass held in the flame behind the vapor becomes coated in a molecule-thin film and is then trapped under clear glass, producing lustrous plumes of rich color. Each time I make a fumed marble, I learn something new. It is such a challenging, engaging, and rewarding technique that some glass artists devote their whole careers to its mastery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1550353561230-4WO5BK52F3J91997DIUI/20180722_085353.jpg GLASS - Gilson Opals Over 45 years ago, a man from Paris, France named Pierre Gilson Sr. invented methods of producing lab-grown synthetic gems and stones, including rubies, emeralds and opals. Unlike natural opals, which are notoriously sensitive to changes in temperature and stress causing cracks and breaks, these synthetic opals are one of only a handful of materials that can be encased in glass and worked in such high heat flames. My orbs often feature “Gilson Opals” that have been crushed, tumbled, or faceted. https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/shipping-returns daily 0.75 2018-09-26 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/terms-privacy daily 0.75 2018-09-26 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/faq-galapagos daily 0.75 2025-05-09 https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass daily 0.75 2018-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532473396995-LYTKO1PIKG4XWRT059I4/20170808_160309.jpg GLASS https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/marble-lost-time monthly 0.5 2018-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532477760535-0HHO74M4BEVKCRXYSEP0/20180722_085550.jpg GLASS - MARBLE | LOST TIME https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/marble-letting-go monthly 0.5 2018-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532477398685-O1F0HRZ4C4JBQTQPYMVS/20180722_085625.jpg GLASS - MARBLE | LETTING GO https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/marble-summer-fling-dfetp-78ydp monthly 0.5 2018-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532477014885-69EC17E2575D9LI7RQHR/20180722_085405.jpg GLASS - MARBLE | XIBALBA SANG https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/mwtii6358hzh79b0ekj1qiqlqn7la6 monthly 0.5 2018-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532477166538-XFFIDC2TCF4HCYS4RLK5/20180722_085631.jpg GLASS - MARBLE | MILO SAID https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/marble-summer-fling-dfetp monthly 0.5 2018-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532476335925-55OL11M9N1S3XTUSN2NM/20180722_085353.jpg GLASS - MARBLE | XIBALBA SANG https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/marble-summer-fling monthly 0.5 2018-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532476259747-XRQ92TWCTXU40NFHVNFC/20180722_084848.jpg GLASS - MARBLE | SUMMER FLING https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/jar-seeing-red monthly 0.5 2018-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532475521169-Y5CIAOUTG5GLGSBY4B7J/20170628_174450.jpg GLASS - SHOTGLASS | SEEING RED https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/shotglass-on-the-rise monthly 0.5 2018-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532475380024-HV3VSGGOFD14AQGWU020/20170628_174444.jpg GLASS - SHOTGLASS | ON THE RISE https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/jar-seaweed-gsn4s monthly 0.5 2018-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532475264864-D6V9ZJYP9EBRPL7Z574F/20170628_174237.jpg GLASS - JAR | THAT TIME https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/jar-seaweed monthly 0.5 2018-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1532474806243-LGZ3MN5XWJOS711W3B00/20170628_174211_HDR.jpg GLASS - JAR | SEAWEED https://www.fromthegroundupart.com/glass/glass-sphere- monthly 0.5 2018-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b4cba065b409b4a27fc1845/1531932131241-GD1DDR4SFTONNFMNXC0Q/IMG_5551.jpg GLASS - MARBLE | BREATHE GOLD